45 answers
Emily
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
Question
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Do I choose a career in what I want to do, or do I choose a career that I'll be stable in ?
How will choosing a career that I'm not as passionate about over my dream affect me in the long run? What happens if I choose priority over passion?
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45 answers
William Bernazar
Software Engineering Leader
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
William’s Answer
There's no single right answer for this journey. Everyone will have their own unique path. From my own experience, it was a blend of different steps. I took a job in hospitality to cover my expenses, even though my heart was set on the tech industry. I stayed in hospitality for a few years, but my passion for tech never faded. I used the skills I gained in hospitality to land a role at Rocket Mortgage as a Client Care Specialist. There, I learned about the business and eventually moved from helping clients to helping build the technology that makes home dreams come true. If you don't enjoy what you're doing, work can feel much harder. Look for opportunities in your current role that can lead you to your goals, and remember, it's perfectly okay to change your mind along the way.
This was so reassuring. Thank you so much!
Emily
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Hi Emily,
Hopefully, you can find a career that will allow you to do both. If you do not have passion, at least some of the time, in what you are doing, I believe you will eventually come to resent your career. That being said, you mention career above. Depending on your current financial situation, you may want to find a job that has more stability now while understanding that you may advance or move to related jobs that will eventually lead to an overall career for which you have a passion or eventually develop a passion. Indeed, having stability for a while may give you the financial support to take greater chances later. Keep dreaming, and hopefully one day those dreams come true.
Hopefully, you can find a career that will allow you to do both. If you do not have passion, at least some of the time, in what you are doing, I believe you will eventually come to resent your career. That being said, you mention career above. Depending on your current financial situation, you may want to find a job that has more stability now while understanding that you may advance or move to related jobs that will eventually lead to an overall career for which you have a passion or eventually develop a passion. Indeed, having stability for a while may give you the financial support to take greater chances later. Keep dreaming, and hopefully one day those dreams come true.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Try to have both. There are lots of careers to explore, or you can create your own path. Just make sure to choose something you truly care about in the end.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Industries change over time and can be disrupted by eg AI and technology, so I would not necessarily pick something just because it is stable. I would pick something that you find interesting, or meaningful where you also see growth. Alternatively pick something that provides you with a versatile skill.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Ideally if you could combine what you are passionate about with a stable career that would be a home run. I suggest going in to something stable for your career, but making time for things you are passionate about. Use your free time to focus on your passion and detach from your career. Having that outlet will give you a chance to recharge and make you a better worker all around.
David Rousseau
Senior Director, Engineering
6
Answers
Cedar, Michigan
Updated
David’s Answer
Bloom where you are planted! I've found that many organizations have a variety of opportunities once you are inside. Consider leaning more on the access and stability first and then look for what excites you in the larger organization.
That's so smart! I'll keep going with what I've planned and take your advice. Thank you so much!
Emily
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
One cannot be successful or stable in their career if there is no passion and pride in the work. You should acquire skills and knowledge in the field that motivates you and builds on your strengths. However, sometimes circumstances may not offer that exact opportunity. In those cases, think how you can add value to whatever you have in hand, how others are benefiting from your work and what legacy you are building. It will help you develop passion that you may not be even aware of. You will discover new passions.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
I chose a career I would be stable in because I didn’t have the financial stability to pursue my passion projects. Instead, I keep working on my passions along with working my stable job until I had the financial freedom to pursue my passion
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Don’t think those 2 questions are stand alone - you can find a stable job that you are passionate about! I’d also say that passion can develop over time and as you move through your career you will find what really drives you. In the same way I would note that stability is never a given so being driven and staying relevant allows you to move through your career taking advantage of different opportunities.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Passion is great. But honing in on a skill set that helps you achieve your financial goals will allow you to have both passion and financial stability. But the reverse is not necessarily true. I have many passionate friends in the arts who love what they do but lack a vision of their own financial stability and it creates a lot of anxiety for them so I would always work on stability first, then passion.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
There are many careers for you that could be a mix of both! I have found that I can be happy in a variety of work situations, so I chose to pursue a career that offered maximum flexibility and stability. The key is to find something interesting that helps you meet both work and non-work related goals!
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Hey Emily! Because so many things in the economy are changing constantly try to find something you are passionate in, and leverage those passions into a path which has lots of employment opportunity. For example if you are interested in design you can leverage that alongside some design skills using figma or canva
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
I have 2 kids, one is 18, a freshman in college and one is 16. If my kids ask me this question, I would say choose a career that would give you a stable income, and you can work on something you passionate on the side. You never know the outcome until you have tried. To me, this is more of balanced approach. If you are passionate about something, you would find time to work on that on the side.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Choosing a career you are passionate about will definitely help to sustain higher levels of engagement over time. Stability is also important; therefore, I'd recommend that you make a list of your top stable career choices and consider the ones you are most passionate about.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
At times in your career, you will probably find yourself in both situations. Obviously we want both aspects to exist in our jobs at the same time, but experiences in one can help shape the other. Having been in a stable career (where I learned a ton and met great people) enabled me to take a leap to something I was passionate in … and use the skills from the first roles!
Brian Reynolds
Accountant/Project Manager
7
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Brian’s Answer
This is a decision that many people face in their life as they learn and grow. There is no right or wrong answer because it comes down to how you want to live your life. You may find out what you want to do may have stability and it is great for you. But also something that may be stable you may not feel satisfaction that you did not pursue a dream of yours. Maybe you can considering trying to pursue what you want to do as option at a point in life but after you have created the stability or before you do. Trust yourself and do what you believe will make you happy but understand the consequences for either decision. Best of luck.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
It depends where you are in your life and what your long term goals are. For example, I was already a mom when I had to pick a career path therefore job stability was very important to me. It also depends on how much risk you want to take on. If you are risk adverse, you’ll want to choose a stable career but if you are okay with taking on some risk, do something you are passionate about as I believe in the long run it will always pay off.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
This is a question with no one answer. Some fields are traditionally stable, but there’s no guarantee. People thought they had steady manufacturing jobs until they moved away or automated. Passion is good, but beware of burnout or disillusionment. Often people enter fields like teaching as a passion but find (for example), bureaucracy gets in the way or it’s not what they thought it would be. You’re starting off by asking questions and researching, which is great, and asking different people in the specific careers you’re considering would be my suggestion for your next step.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
My recommendation is to perform your due diligence on the career choice that you are most passionate about first. This will allow you to make an informed decision on what decision to make. Think about your skills, capabilities, knowledge and experience. You can have passion but if you have no exposure or experience then you will need to understand where you are starting from. So evaluate both options
Alex Huyghe
Senior Application Engineer
9
Answers
Berkley, Michigan
Updated
Alex’s Answer
It really comes down to what you love doing. I'm really into cycling; I grew up racing and still do it. Only about 200 people in the world make good money from it. Now, I work as a software engineer, but I still ride my bike 8-10 hours a week and race about 15 times a year. Most hobbies can fit around your main job, and sometimes you can even turn them into a career. Careers often aren't straightforward; they can take many different paths. Unless you're aiming to be a doctor, lawyer, or dentist, which requires lots of schooling and money, you're usually not tied down to one path.
I studied Business Administration and started in sales, moved to operations, and ended up in tech. The key is to figure out what you enjoy and see if there's a career that matches. If you like solving problems, maybe engineering is for you. If helping people is your thing, nursing might be a good fit. If you enjoy organizing, project management or accounting could work. You can even ask AI for ideas based on your interests. Once you find something you might like, talk to someone in that field—they can tell you the pros and cons.
I studied Business Administration and started in sales, moved to operations, and ended up in tech. The key is to figure out what you enjoy and see if there's a career that matches. If you like solving problems, maybe engineering is for you. If helping people is your thing, nursing might be a good fit. If you enjoy organizing, project management or accounting could work. You can even ask AI for ideas based on your interests. Once you find something you might like, talk to someone in that field—they can tell you the pros and cons.
That explains so much. This was so helpful! I'll be sure to take your advice into account. Thank you so much!
Emily
Patricia Marques, PMP
Manager
3
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
While stability may often seem like the safest and most appealing option, neglecting to pursue what you enjoy can lead to feelings of resentment. It’s important to find a balance between security and the fulfillment that comes from following your true interests. Without that pursuit, even the most stable positions can feel unfulfilling. Since you’ll be working for a long time, you might as well find joy in what you do.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
You should find a balance of both. The economy is hard. You want to find a career that pays well and aligns with your passions or that will play into a longer journey of your long term goal of a career that aligns with your passions.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Stability is important especially when you’re getting established in your career. I think you can always find something that ties into what you’re passionate about in a more stable. It might not be a perfect match, but having a stable role where you can grow and develop skills at the beginning is important. You don’t want to worry about not having a job when you don’t have a lot of experience and will struggle finding a role. While you’re in that stable role, think about the skills that will be transferable to the role you’re passionate about. It should help you land that passionate role in maybe a more senior position one day!
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Passion is always good - you will enjoy getting up and going to work each day... and if there's stability in that field, so much the better!
If you are concerned about your ability to remain employed, then choose something 'stable'. Is there a field that can combine both - something related to your passion, but with that element if 'staying power'? If you can find it, then go for it!
If you are concerned about your ability to remain employed, then choose something 'stable'. Is there a field that can combine both - something related to your passion, but with that element if 'staying power'? If you can find it, then go for it!
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
You should choose a career that you are passionate about. If you are really passionate with your work, you will devote time and effort to achieve your goal. Even if you are not successful with your goal, the skills that you have accumulated will transfer to other areas of work.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
I think you should start your search based on what you are passionate about, through this research you’ll find through job descriptions and possibly LinkedIn connections if you may be a right fit for this type of role, stability is easy to find but passion is what will keep you interested and allow you to excel in your role
Lois Leslie
Project Manager for a Printer / PC / computing company
5
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Lois’s Answer
Hello!
This is a great question!
There are several approaches to choosing a career focus, but one common piece of advice is to pursue something you're both passionate about and naturally good at already. Start by considering your favorite subjects in school and the areas where you excel. Leveraging your strengths is often the most effective path, as you're more likely to thrive in a role where the day-to-day work is both enjoyable and aligned with your abilities. Gaining firsthand experience—such as shadowing professionals or securing internships—can give you valuable insight into whether a particular career is the right fit. Also, asking teachers or college counselors who know your key strengths can offer perspective about career paths that could be a good fit.
In addition to personal interests and strengths, it's important to weigh practical considerations like salary and long-term job prospects:
Salary: Research typical salary ranges for the careers you're considering to determine whether they align with your financial goals. If a strong base salary is a priority, you may want to avoid fields that tend to offer lower compensation.
Future job market: Look into industry trends and job market forecasts to understand how roles might evolve over time. Consider the potential impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and other technological shifts. Ideally, you want to choose a path with strong growth potential—not one likely to be replaced in the next decade.
I wish you the best!
This is a great question!
There are several approaches to choosing a career focus, but one common piece of advice is to pursue something you're both passionate about and naturally good at already. Start by considering your favorite subjects in school and the areas where you excel. Leveraging your strengths is often the most effective path, as you're more likely to thrive in a role where the day-to-day work is both enjoyable and aligned with your abilities. Gaining firsthand experience—such as shadowing professionals or securing internships—can give you valuable insight into whether a particular career is the right fit. Also, asking teachers or college counselors who know your key strengths can offer perspective about career paths that could be a good fit.
In addition to personal interests and strengths, it's important to weigh practical considerations like salary and long-term job prospects:
Salary: Research typical salary ranges for the careers you're considering to determine whether they align with your financial goals. If a strong base salary is a priority, you may want to avoid fields that tend to offer lower compensation.
Future job market: Look into industry trends and job market forecasts to understand how roles might evolve over time. Consider the potential impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and other technological shifts. Ideally, you want to choose a path with strong growth potential—not one likely to be replaced in the next decade.
I wish you the best!
Thank you so much! This answered so many of my doubts. I appreciate it!
Emily
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Hi Emily, that depends on your overall life goals and the lifestyle that you want to live. Following your passion can be lucrative, depending on what your passion is. You may be able to figure out how to monetize your passion. Know that your passion also may shift overtime so be open to that. Additionally, finding a career that’s more stable may make you feel more secure, but not as well filled so you may need to explore your passion outside of your workplace. Ideally, you can find a career that you are passionate about and able to make more than enough money to support your lifestyle.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
Honestly, I think it depends where you are in life and what your priorities are. In an ideal world, it’d be both, something you’re passionate about that also gives you stability and there are ways you can find the career to give you both. But if you have to choose, I’d lean toward stability first if that allows you to build a foundation (financially, mentally, etc.). You can always layer in passion through side projects/personal time or shift toward it once you’re more secure. On the flip side, if your passion is something you truly can’t ignore and you know you’d regret not trying it and you’re in a place where you can take that risk — then go for it. Just be really honest with yourself about what trade-offs you’re willing to make and what kind of lifestyle you want. At the end of the day, it’s about finding a mix that works for you long term. Neither extreme usually works perfectly on its own.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Having a career that gives you financial stability and allows you to pursue your passion is a perfect state. If that does not come to be it would be best to find one that will make you happy and yet provide a good income. There is not much longevity in a career that makes you feel miserable. Maybe you will be able to work for income and yet find time for your passion. Have seen things change - you might find a new passion that you were never aware of when you start working or your part time passion can develop into a career. Give yourself time and credit to have a stable and happy life.
Citi Volunteers
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
For example if you love communicating and social media you could check out advertising - all companies need marketing skills in one form or another. Similarly if you like technology most companies require those skills. Or if you love sports think about marketing or finance for a sports management company. Not every job is perfect but you can think about how to leverage one element you enjoy into a broader career.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Wow, what a question. It really depends on who you are, the questioner, and what life you want to live. If you are someone who has a lot of energy and want to dedicate a significant part of your time and energy to make your career interesting and meaningful, choose passion. If you want to live a life that is focused on comfort, leisure, and family, then stable is a great, practical option.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Great question Emily! Ideally it would be a situation where you are able to have a career that you are passionate about that is also stable but if you can’t have both I would say do something that will give you financial stability first while keeping an eye on the best path towards doing what you are passionate about.
Joseph Butcher
Business Analyst
3
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Remember, your priorities and passions can shift as time goes on, and you don't have to settle for just one. Don't let others sway your decision. Choose what feels right for you right now. Believe in yourself. If you make a mistake, you can always adjust your path.
Thank you so much!
Emily
Citi Volunteers
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Answers
New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
I would recommend pursuing a career in what you are passionate about. The old saying - “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” is very true. Stability is always relative, something stable today may not be stable tomorrow, so in my opinion, pursuing your passion will not only encourage you to continue to grow in the space but keep you interested as time goes on.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
It would be difficult to answer without knowing why are you deliberating this. So let me bring up possible reasons and respond based on that.
1. Financial stability: if this is a very important factor for you, and you believe having a stable career would give this to you, then it’s is reasonable to consider that career choice.
2. Success: depends on what you are passionate about but some people do have concerns about the possibility of getting success with their passion. Personally, I don’t believe that should be a worry. The success would really depend on the effort you put in.
3. Happiness: I think it is important that you like what you do. It does motivate you to go on. However, you can’t know for sure at this point of time which career choice would give you that.
My advice would be to research about the careers more. For the career you are passionate about, think about how you would want to go about it, what would you need to do to get started and what are the opportunities after it. For the stable career, explore the different options that are there. Talk to people in that career and see if something interests you. Just because it’s stable doesn’t mean it has to be something you are not interested in. Once you have done the research, rethink about the factors I mentioned earlier (or any other in your mind) and see if you have better clarity towards any one of them. Lastly, irrespective of what you choose, don’t feel that you are locked in.
1. Financial stability: if this is a very important factor for you, and you believe having a stable career would give this to you, then it’s is reasonable to consider that career choice.
2. Success: depends on what you are passionate about but some people do have concerns about the possibility of getting success with their passion. Personally, I don’t believe that should be a worry. The success would really depend on the effort you put in.
3. Happiness: I think it is important that you like what you do. It does motivate you to go on. However, you can’t know for sure at this point of time which career choice would give you that.
My advice would be to research about the careers more. For the career you are passionate about, think about how you would want to go about it, what would you need to do to get started and what are the opportunities after it. For the stable career, explore the different options that are there. Talk to people in that career and see if something interests you. Just because it’s stable doesn’t mean it has to be something you are not interested in. Once you have done the research, rethink about the factors I mentioned earlier (or any other in your mind) and see if you have better clarity towards any one of them. Lastly, irrespective of what you choose, don’t feel that you are locked in.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Citi’s Answer
You should choose a career based on what you are good at and what you can help pay your bills.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Hi Emily, you should pursue both. Some jobs that you chose to take may not be apart of your dream role, but a necessary step to get you there. Keep in mind, that many of us begin our careers by choosing to accept roles for stability, and then navigate into roles that are better aligned with our passions. How you navigate is key. Consider what skills you need to obtain the role that aligns with your passions and be thoughtful about how to build those skills through each role you take on. Ideally, every experience should bring you in closer alignment.
Remember, a career is hardly ever a straight line from begin to end. It is a journey. Good luck!
Remember, a career is hardly ever a straight line from begin to end. It is a journey. Good luck!
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Ideally, find a middle ground: something you’re good at, that pays decently, and that doesn’t make you dread Mondays. You don’t have to love every minute of your job, but you shouldn’t feel like you’re selling your soul either. Passion can be the hobby. Stability can be the foundation. If they overlap, that’s the jackpot.
Citi Volunteers
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
In an ideal world, it would happen where the career you are passionate about will keep you stable. But of course that doesn’t always happen. Each field can be different, and it may so happen that different sectors will be less stable at certain moments. I think you should go with what you’re passionate about, because then you’ll be motivated to work harder and then you’ll make yourself more valuable to your company. That way, you’ll have some safety and stability in your career.
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
It’s no doubt that this is a difficult question. Many factors go into this decision, but it doesn’t mean that passion and stability are mutually exclusive. Instead of thinking of “either or”, maybe think about ways you can combine elements of both in your life. For example, one may like specific elements like problem solving and you can search for jobs with that focus, even if it’s in an industry or role you may not have thought of.
You should also be aware of your own risk tolerance. You can also think about the fact that for some people, a career is a means to a great life. For some, a great career means a great life. Where do you place the importance of a career in your life?
You should also be aware of your own risk tolerance. You can also think about the fact that for some people, a career is a means to a great life. For some, a great career means a great life. Where do you place the importance of a career in your life?
Citi Volunteers
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Emily, ideally both. In recent conversations, I’ve been exploring the ideas of durability and portability when making career choices. Is the industry durable during economic downturns? Is the work global? Best wishes as you journey!
Citi Volunteers
94
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
I would suggest ideally to find a mix of both, but if not then go with stability. There should be a balance. I'd also recommend that you should research more about the career you are passionate about because it may not translate the way you expected.
Citi Volunteers
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New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
More advice from various Citi professionals:
- You should aim to find a mix of both. When you’re passionate about you do, you will excel and meet others with the similar goals and aspirations.
- A little bit of both but more towards what you’re passionate about.
- I recommend you choose a career that you are passionate about and the money will come.
- Choose something that can feed yourself first. Then try to get in a career that you are good at. Something that you are passionate about it for hobby.
- You should aim to find a mix of both. When you’re passionate about you do, you will excel and meet others with the similar goals and aspirations.
- A little bit of both but more towards what you’re passionate about.
- I recommend you choose a career that you are passionate about and the money will come.
- Choose something that can feed yourself first. Then try to get in a career that you are good at. Something that you are passionate about it for hobby.
Citi Volunteers
94
Answers
New York, New York
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Citi’s Answer
Choose a career you are passionate about. Do something you love and you will never "work" a day in your life.